POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Four people have died after a speeding driver caused a deadly crash in Polk County.
Deputies said 35-year-old Riquelme Villar-Villalona of Poinciana was a fault for a four-vehicle crash Monday afternoon on Lake Hatchineha Road.
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Detectives said Villar-Villalona crashed into the back of another driver who lost control and crashed into another car on the other side of the road.
Deputies said Villar-Villalona’s car also went airborne and hit a fourth vehicle after striking the first vehicle.
The roof was torn from Villar-Villalona’s car during the crash. He was ejected and instantly killed, according to a report.
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Three people were killed during the crash and one victim died after they were taken to a hospital.
Deputies said Villar-Villalona may have been speeding because he was fleeing law enforcement after he allegedly beat and kidnapped his girlfriend.
The woman was later found to have been dropped off before the crash happened and she was taken to a hospital for treatment for cuts on her face, according to a report.
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Deputies said they spotted Villar-Villalona’s car before the crash and attempted to pull him over but he sped off.
According to a report, the deputy did not pursue Villar-Villalona’s car and called in for assistance. The deputy later arrived at the crash and helped victims at the site.
“Had Villar-Villalona survived the crash, he would have been charged with abduction and aggravated battery charges for the first event, and numerous charges for the crash, the worst of which being three counts of vehicular homicide,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Officials said the crash investigation is ongoing.
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